That's what surprised me. SMB isn't more expensive because of their choice in axle and transfer case. They are more expensive because they swap in a new fuel tank, replace the rear stock springs (vice adding blocks to the stock springs), etc.

If you add those options to the Quadvan package, the price evens out. Don't take my word for it. Ask Quadvan for a quote that includes the extras that are integral to the SMB setup and you'll see.

That being said, maybe you don't need the extra gas. Maybe you are happy with blocks under your stock rear springs. Then why pay for thing you don't want/need (of course I use the term "need" VERY loosely)?

As stated above, look at the completed conversion & what it offers. It really boils down to what you expect from the van & it's intended use over it's lifetime. Will it be easy to modify in the future? Are replacement parts easy to obtain? Can you customize the conversion to your exact specs? What quality of parts are used right out of the box? Will the conversion include components that you don't need? These are just a few questions that pop into my head.....

There are a few options & routes to take! It's a great time to be a 4x4 enthusiast